DANNY Wilson thinks Hartlepool United have an ideal tie in tonight’s League Cup second round – a trip to a big club they can beat.

Having played over 100 games for Sheffield Wednesday and later managed them, Wilson would never be so disrespectful as to claim his side are favourites at Hillsborough but with the Owls yet to pick up a Championship point this season he will be encouraging Hartlepool to think positively.

“The pressure will all be on them because nobody will be expecting anything of us,” said Wilson. “We can just go out and express ourselves.

“They’ll obviously be the favourites but I will say to the players we can go there and give them a good game. We will need a bit of luck because of their calibre but if we get that there’s no reason we can’t win.” While Hartlepool were winning 2-0 at Port Vale on Saturday, Wednesday suffered a demoralising defeat. Leading 2-0 15 minutes into their game at Charlton Athletic, they lost 3-2.

The non-seeded teams were drawn first, so United knew the game would not be at Victoria Park.

“We knew we were going to be away and once that happens you always want a big club,” he said. “It will let the lads taste a great atmosphere.

“I’ve fantastic memories of the club but I’ve got to go there and do a job for Hartlepool United and I’m determined to do that.” Willie Boland, Richard Barker and James Brown all suffered head injuries at Vale Park but are expected to be available.

Meanwhile, Carlisle United caretaker manager Gregg Abbott will be looking to further his claim for the job on a permanent basis when his side entertain Coventry City tonight – and Danny Livesey says the players are eager to help him.

“I don’t want to come across as big-headed or blase but I have been in football a long time and learnt from a lot of good people,” said the caretaker-boss. “I have my own ideas and in the last three games they have worked.” The Cumbrians have won all three games under Abbott without conceding a goal but centre-back Livesey says his biggest impact has been on morale.

“He just wants us to work hard and be honest with him,” said Livesey. “We all get on well. You don’t often get that in football.”